Can you believe it's been a year since we had thousands of national flags flying from all our vehicles in support of hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup? What a proud time that was…

As the national carrier we're glad to say that it seems this spirited SA pride has stuck with us – making SAA the "Coolest Domestic Airline" at the Sunday Times Generation Next 2011 Survey Awards. What's more, we flew the flag even higher this time at the international Skytrax Awards, landing the "Best Airline in Africa" award for the 9th time in a row, as well as the "Best in Service Excellence in Africa" award for the 2nd year in a row.

With so much to celebrate, now's a good time to tell you that we've also recently revamped our in-flight dining menu for our international and regional long-haul flights. Now your taste buds can enjoy a whole new selection of delicious canapés, breads and cheeses, fresh Kingklip and fine South African beef – and of course no celebration is complete without a glass of Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial champagne.

Here's to being proudly South African!

Until we see you again, travel safe!

Destination of the month - Argentina

Stretching almost 4 000 km from top to tip, Argentina has to be one of the most geographically diverse countries on the planet – and it has one of the most intriguing contemporary histories you're likely to come across.

In few other places would a visitor be able to visit the jungle, the desert, lush lakes surrounded by snow-capped mountains, glaciers and frosty mountain towns nestled at the far tip of the world – without crossing a border.

Its capital, Buenos Aires, is a vast city of 18 million people, which a visitor could easily mistake for being a lost megalopolis of Italy, Spain or France. In the city centre majestic art nouveau architecture reaches skywards in all directions.

Although the capital has enough to keep a visitor entertained for weeks, the country has much to offer, and the irresistible allure of Patagonia, a vast semi-desert in the rain shadow of the Andes that extends all the way to Cape Horn at the tip of the continent, lies just to the south.

Did you know? SA226 departs Johannesburg at 09h55 arrives Beunos Aires, Argentina at 16h30 on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. SA227 departs from Beunos Aires, Argentina at 18h15 arrives in Johannesburg at 08h40 on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

SAA News

A new dining menu

SAA introduces a new in-flight dining menu that is set to delight our customers' palates and further enhance the airline's onboard product offering. After taking into account global trends in dining and cuisine, the airline has designed a healthy menu that aims to tantalise our customers' tastebuds.

International Flights

A selection of canapés, accompanied by the first beverage service, is offered to Business Class customers. International long haul flights have an option of a fresh seafood starter or a hot soup. This is followed by an aperitif, the legendary bubbly from one of France's most famous champagne houses Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial.

A bread basket, filled with an assortment of warm fresh breads and pastries, served with butter and preserves will be offered before the four main course options, which include a poultry, red meat, fish and non-meat dish. The poultry choice is a lighter, healthier option of grilled lemon and herb chicken breast served with steamed baby potatoes, Parisienne butternut and mange touts.
SAA also offers a traditional South African specialty – Kingklip caught off the South African coastline, accompanied by cumin-scented yellow basmati rice, grilled mixed vegetables and a sweetly curried Cape Malay sauce. For a sweet finale, premium class customers will enjoy a cake of the day.

A selection of fine South African cheeses, crackers and preserves will follow, served with beverages from the full bar including South African Port wine Boplaas Cape Tawny Non Vintage. The Boplaas is one of South Africa's most famous Port wines - crowned 2010 "Port of the Year" for the fifth consecutive year at SAA's annual Wine Awards.

The Economy Class service includes a selection of three main courses instead of two: a healthy salad starter, followed by a red meat dish, chicken / fish based dish or a non-meat option. Dessert is followed by cheese and crackers, with a full bar offered.

To add to the travel experience of our customers, SAA strives to ensure that an ingredient authentic to the particular route that is serviced is used.

Domestic Flights

Business Class customers will enjoy a choice of a hot English breakfast or Healthy breakfast comprising of fruit, yoghurt and muesli. For routes shorter that 60 minutes, a choice of continental breakfast or healthy fruit breakfast is offered.

SAA customers will be surprised with delectable snacks, consisting of a choice of meat and non meat option. Delectable morning snacks are accompanied by a fruit salad, while a delicious dessert is served as an afternoon snack accompaniment.

Dinner remains hot with a choice of red meat or chicken / fish. In select menus SAA now offers a traditional South African speciality of samp and beans.

Economy Class customers will be delighted by fresh sandwiches, healthy wraps and picnic baskets with savoury and sweet components.

SAA's new menu is served using re-usable or biodegradable bamboo packaging, in line with the airline's carbon offsetting programme.

Partner of the month

Travel Guard
(available for travel within and out of South Africa only)

Travel Guard, a Chartis company and worldwide leader in travel insurance and assistance, provides products and services to millions of travellers around the globe, including a wide range of emergency services through its wholly-owned assistance centres located in Asia, Europe and the Americas. Travel Guard helps leisure and business travellers alike solve problems and manage risks.